ELMORE is eyeing a climb up the HDFNL A-grade ladder following the appointment of new coach Sue Borserio.
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A dual 17-and-under premiership with Kangaroo Flat and long-time assistant to former Roos head coach Jannelle Hobbs, Borserio will take on the dual roles of director of coaching and A-grade coach.
She replaces former coach and Bloods 300-gamer Kris Rosaia, who did not seek reappointment.
The announcement comes less than two weeks after Borserio led the North Central region open team to a semi-final berth at this year’s Netball Victoria State Titles in Melbourne.
She revealed this was not the first off-season the Bloods had expressed interest in acquiring her services and the timing was now right.
“Kris Rosaia approached me a few years ago and I kept saying ‘not the right time for me’ as I was heavily involved in the BFNL with Kangaroo Flat,” Borserio said.
“This year she contacted me and I said maybe, and let's talk.
“The spark has always been there with Elmore. There's something special about country towns and clubs, the community are so welcoming and really want to know all about you. You feel the love.”
Borserio inherits an A-grade team which finished 2017 in eighth place with two wins and a string of improved second half of the season performances.
An obvious drawcard for Borserio is the chance to work with the club’s exciting junior talent.
The Bloods were this season’s 17-and-under premiers, under coaches Hollie and Jess Hildebrandt, and finalists in the 15-and-under division.
“I’ve watched closely over the final series this year and am very impressed by the young talent coming through the club,” Borserio said.
“They have loads of raw ability and have been superbly guided by their coaches.
“Some of these players may have the ability to step up earlier to senior netball given the chance.
“I'm always looking for the next Ruby Barkmeyer or Caitlin Nevins, and this region is producing some great talent.”
Borserio, who followed Hobbs to Kangaroo Flat from Loddon Valley club YCW, described the now South Bendigo director of coaching as a mentor.
Their six year association at Dower Park produced two 17-and-under flags and one grand final appearance under Borserio, and two A-grade premierships for Hobbs.
With the appointment made, Elmore’s new director of coaching said focus would quickly turn to recruiting.
“I'm quite proactive in contacting players, but I've had quite a lot of messages already and from that there are some conversations occurring behind closed doors,” Borserio said.
“At this stage we are talking to a well-known young midcourt player, a very tall young shooter, an experienced premiership attacking player and again a very tall defender with a huge future.
“If I can secure two or three of these players I'll be happy.
“Elmore has a lot of talented players itself and some of them just need a little shining up to make their game sparkle.”
The Bloods will hold tryouts on Thursday, November 16 from 6.15pm-8pm and Sunday, November 19, from 4pm-6pm.
Junior tryouts will be held at a later date, with talented youngsters encouraged to attend the senior tryouts.